Sitting Bull

Date of Birth: 1831

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: December 15, 1890

Biography

Sitting Bull, born as Tatanka Iyotake, was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader and one of the most significant Native American figures in United States history. He was born in 1831 near the confluence of the Grand and Missouri Rivers in what is now South Dakota. Renowned for his bravery and leadership, Sitting Bull played a crucial role in the resistance against U.S. government policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans and taking their lands. Sitting Bull’s early life was marked by his participation in numerous battles against rival tribes and later, the U.S. military. His leadership was instrumental during the Great Sioux War of 1876, particularly in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where his visions and strategic acumen led to a decisive victory against General George Armstrong Custer’s forces. Following the defeat, the U.S. government intensified its efforts to capture Sitting Bull. He fled to Canada with his followers but returned to the United States in 1881, surrendering to avoid starvation. Despite his surrender, Sitting Bull remained a symbol of Native American resistance. He later joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, where he traveled and performed, using the platform to advocate for Native American rights. Sitting Bull was tragically killed on December 15, 1890, during an attempt to arrest him, driven by fears that he would join the Ghost Dance movement, which was seen as a threat by the U.S. authorities.

5 Interesting Facts about Sitting Bull

1. Sitting Bull was a respected medicine man and spiritual leader, known for his prophetic visions.

2. He played a significant role in the defeat of General Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

3. Sitting Bull was a key figure in the Ghost Dance movement, which sought to restore Native American lands and way of life.

4. He toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, gaining international fame and advocating for Native American rights.

5. Sitting Bull’s legacy continues to be honored, with numerous monuments, schools, and institutions named after him.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sitting Bull

1. “I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.”

2. “What treaty that the whites have kept has the red man broken? Not one.”

3. “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”

4. “I have killed, robbed, and injured too many white men to believe in a good peace.”

5. “The white man knows how to make everything, but he does not know how to distribute it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a Native American leader in the 19th century, Sitting Bull did not accumulate wealth in the modern sense. His value was measured by his leadership, bravery, and influence rather than monetary wealth.

Children

Sitting Bull had several children, including Crow Foot and Standing Holy. Crow Foot was his eldest son, who tragically committed suicide following Sitting Bull’s death. Standing Holy was his daughter, who survived him and lived through the turbulent times that followed.